Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in dialysis patients: update 1995.

The use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in patients undergoing dialysis has not received substantial investigation. The available data would indicate that short-term growth velocity is improved with rhGH in children undergoing both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. However, definitive assessment awaits long-term controlled studies. Although definitive studies are lacking, it does not appear that there is a differential effect of rhGH in the various dialytic modalities. Compared to patients with chronic renal insufficiency, the response to rhGH treatment in children undergoing dialysis appears inferior; however, definitive data are also lacking. rhGH is effective when administered intraperitoneally; however, long-term studies are required to substantiate efficacy. In summary, despite limited data, rhGH appears to be effective in growth-retarded children undergoing dialysis.